Page 106 of New World Tea Company
With a smile on her face, Caroline inquired, “A honeymoon, sir?”
With confidence in his voice, Lord Campbell stated, “I do not believe in long engagements but will hope for a fine wedding breakfast.”
Conflicted about the speed with which the man was speaking of arranging a wedding but pleased to finally have the moment upon her, Miss Bingley asked, “What of the bride’s gown and trousseau?
“I shall think my bride is lovely in any gown and her trousseau can be assembled after the wedding,” he said, leaning closer than was proper. Mrs Young coughed but did not express her admonition verbally.
Blushing, Lord Campbell asked, “Miss Bingley, might I be allowed to call again tomorrow at three of the clock?”
“Of course, Lord Campbell,” replied Caroline.
The woman was slightly confused by the request before the gentleman explained, “And during my visit, may I have the honour of a private interview?”
After this request was granted, Lord Campbell departed, and Edith Young endured two hours of Miss Bingley revising every moment of the day and the daydreams of her life as the Countess of Argyle. And Caroline was certain to detail the steps she would take to put her sister and brother in their place.
With a sneer on her face, Caroline spoke aloud, “I shall never allow them to bring their spouse around! Mr Hurst is a cad and Miss Bennet–Mrs Bingley–is the daughter of a common farmer.”
~~~
Chapter 51.Preparations at Olive Street
The next morning proceeded as Edith Young anticipated; Miss Bingley expected Lord Campbell would call at the appropriate hour and propose marriage. However, Mrs Young would make her exit from the house before the time for social calls and this time when she departed, she would never return. To prepare for the events of the afternoon, Mrs Young requested the footman to oil the hinges on the front door. Once that seemingly innocuous task was complete, the paid companion spent the balance of the morning, imaging her future in a warmer climate.
Before eleven of the clock Caroline summoned her lady’s companion to her bedchamber to consult with the choice of the most appropriate gown to wear when the gentleman called. Caroline possessed fifty gowns – only two of them the latest fashions. Almost twenty of the gowns were held up against Miss Bingley’s figure in front of the expensive full-length mirror that had been moved into her chamber after Mr and Mrs Hurst left for Sussex last autumn.
“Should I faint when Lord Campbell proposes?” asked Caroline while peering at her reflection in the mirror. Mrs Young knew the woman was not serious with the question.
“His Lordship has never seen you with vapours or hysterics, Miss Bingley,” Edith replied with the expected answer. “The future earl comes to call and expects you to be your usual refined self–the woman he will make Lady Campbell.”
“And I shall be Countess of Argyle whenever the day comes that Lord Campbell becomes Earl,” Caroline repeated for thethird time since Edith entered the other woman’s chamber. “Yes, I must be the genteel lady he has courted this winter and spring.”
“Miss Bingley, might I suggest a change for the afternoon?”
Caroline replied, “Of course, Mrs Young.”
“When Lord Campbell arrives, you should be present in the parlour, so His Lordship sees that you are welcoming of his presence and proposal.”
Caroline seemed to consider the idea for a moment but then rejected the idea, “No, this afternoon, I shall be dressed but wait in my room. When Lord Campbell arrives, you will greet him in the parlour and then come above stairs to announce his arrival. Then when I descend the stairs to meet with my future husband, you will return above stairs.”
Not surprised by the woman’s decision, Mrs Young did not reveal her feelings on her face but nodded her head to acknowledge her employer’s direction. Caroline continued, “I shall not sit at the window that overlooks the street. I do not want him to think I am waiting on him.”
Edith replied, “But Lord Campbell should be assured that you will welcome his proposal.”
Smirking, Miss Bingley stated, “An accomplished lady understands how to keep a man’s attentions without fawning over him.”
Finally, Caroline chose a satin gown from two seasons previous, and once the buttons were fastened up her back, the young woman sat as Mrs Young styled her hair. It took three different arrangements to please Caroline. Edith had to search through Caroline’s drawers twice for more pins to hold her hair. During these searches, Caroline’s coin purse vanished into a deep pocket in Edith’s skirt.
Deciding to take advantage of the fact that Caroline would remain above stairs until after three of the clock, Edith resolvedto depart for her rendezvous with Phillip Bounty and George Wickham. To facilitate her escape, Mrs Young told Miss Bingley, “I shall leave you now and await His Lordship’s arrival in the parlour. After I collect my mending, I shall remain below stairs until the gentleman calls.”
Laying one possessive hand on the box on her dressing table that contained the newly purchased shares of the New World Tea Company, Caroline asked, “Does Wickham know his presence is not desired this afternoon?”
Allowing her face to relax for the first time, Edith replied, “I am certain Mr Wickham will not call this afternoon.”
Caroline nodded in contentment before she positioned herself in a comfortable chair, determined not to move about and loosen her curls before the anticipated arrival of Lord Campbell. She gave no attention to her paid companion who left the room quietly. During the many quiet minutes that passed while she waited for the knock on the front door, Miss Bingley debated if she should allow Lord Campbell to kiss her after they became engaged this afternoon.
She sighed,‘I suppose a kiss is necessary.’
Then Caroline lost herself in daydreams of gathering her trousseau and being fitted with an expensive wedding gown.
